Exmouth to Perth Road Trip – Ningaloo Coast, Coral Bay & Kalbarri

A large, calm body of water reflects bright sunlight under a cloudy sky, with distant low hills and streaks of rain falling beyond. Dark vegetation lines the shore in the foreground, evoking scenes along the Ningaloo Coast on an Exmouth to Perth road trip.

Our Exmouth to Perth Road Trip began with a flight to Exmouth and unforgettable snorkelling on the Ningaloo Reef at both Exmouth and Coral Bay. From there, we drove south along the coast, stopping at Carnarvon to see the powerful blowholes, then continuing to Shark Bay to explore ancient stromatolites and spot abundant wildlife. The journey continued through Kalbarri, where dramatic cliffs and river gorges dominate the landscape, before ending in Cervantes, home to the surreal limestone spires of the Pinnacles, our final stop before Perth.

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Ningaloo Coast

A sandy beach along the Ningaloo Coast features turquoise water under a clear blue sky. A few people stroll the shoreline, with green shrubs in the foreground and distant rocky hills completing this stunning coastal view.

After a long flight to Exmouth, we wasted no time slipping into the crystal-clear blue waters of the Ningaloo Coast for a refreshing first swim. Stretching along Western Australia’s remote northwest, the Ningaloo Coast is home to the world-famous Ningaloo Reef, one of the best places on the planet for shore-based snorkelling, where vibrant coral gardens and marine life lie just steps from the beach.

A large, reddish-brown termite mound with a pointed top stands in a dry grassy area, reminiscent of the landscapes seen on an Exmouth to Perth road trip, surrounded by sparse green shrubs under a clear blue sky.

We’ve seen the tall termite mounds and the remarkable Magnetic Termite Mounds in the Northern Territory. In contrast, Western Australia’s termite mounds stand out with their striking deep-red hue.

Rocky, reddish cliffs curve around a calm, dark river beneath the clear blue sky of the Ningaloo Coast, with green shrubbery growing along the landscape and some vegetation near the water’s edge.

While hiking through Yardie Gorge in Cape Range National Park, we enjoyed stunning views over Yardie Creek and its dramatic red cliffs. For those wanting a different perspective, a boat cruise through Yardie Creek is also possible.

An osprey perches on a branch above green shrubs, with a calm river and reddish-brown rocky cliff behind—evoking the wild beauty of the Ningaloo Coast under bright daylight.

Along the trail, we were lucky to spot a common wallaroo (euro) and an osprey perched on a tree.

A pristine beach with soft white sand and clear turquoise water under a bright blue sky, typical of the Ningaloo Coast. The shoreline curves gently, with sparse vegetation visible—a perfect spot on an Exmouth to Perth road trip.

After our hike, we went snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of Turquoise Bay. Turquoise Bay presents two fantastic options.

  1. Drift snorkel: An effortless experience where you enter the water at the southern end and let the gentle current carry you north along the reef.
  2. Bay snorkel: A shorter, more sheltered option, ideal for beginners and families. We chose this calmer experience, swimming out from the protected section of the bay.
People sit and stand near informational signs on a stone lookout, facing the ocean during sunset, with clear skies and calm water in the background—an ideal stop on an Exmouth to Perth road trip exploring sights like Shark Bay stromatolites.

We had a fantastic time at the historic Vlamingh Head Lighthouse near Exmouth, high above the Indian Ocean and with sweeping coastal views. It’s a favourite spot for sunrise and sunset watchers, and during the season, for spotting migrating whales. We timed our visit perfectly for sunset, and we were well organised, of course, with a bottle of bubbly to toast the moment.

A bright orange sun sets over a calm ocean, casting a warm glow across the water—a scene often admired on an Exmouth to Perth road trip. The sea reflects the sunlight as the sky fades from deep orange to blue along the clear horizon.

Living on the East Coast of Australia, we’re used to watching spectacular sun and moonrises over the ocean.  Seeing the sun set into the water, instead, was a rare and magical moment, one that made this west coast experience feel truly special.

Glassboat Ningaloo Reef 4
Ningaloo Reef near Exmouth

Then, we went on our first boat tour at the Ningaloo Reef with Ningaloo Glass Bottom Boat from Exmouth. During the tour, we had the chance to test out our snorkelling skills. It was a well-organised experience, and we would highly recommend it to others.
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Coral Bay first stop at our Exmouth to Perth road trip

A sandy beach with a few people near the water, blue ocean in the foreground, and sand dunes covered in sparse greenery under a clear sky—typical scenery along the Ningaloo Coast, home to manta rays near Coral Bay.

After a 150-kilometre drive south of Exmouth, we reached Coral Bay. This tiny village, on the turquoise waters of the Ningaloo Reef, has pristine beaches and a vibrant underwater world. We spent three glorious days enjoying this area and went on two exciting snorkelling tours.

A group of people stand and sit on a boat deck, some holding snorkeling gear, ready to explore the manta rays Coral Bay is known for. The boat drifts at sea under a partly cloudy sky, bags and towels scattered around as excitement builds.

Our first tour, snorkelling with manta rays, was fantastic. The boat was not big and a bit older, but the crew was excellent, helpful, and motivated. As usual, we were the oldest people on the boat, but this was no problem for the crew. A definite five-star experience.

A large whale partially submerged in the calm ocean off the Ningaloo Coast, with only its dark, curved back visible above the water’s surface. The scene captures the serenity often found during an Exmouth to Perth road trip.

We went to Ningaloo Reef in mid-June. It is the beginning of the annual humpback whales migration from Antarctica to the warmer waters of the Kimberley region. Both Exmouth and Coral Bay offer tours for whale watching and swimming with them. While on our Manta Ray snorkelling tour, we were lucky to spot a few humpback whales, which was an unforgettable experience.

Several people snorkel in blue ocean water near a rocky reef at the Ningaloo Coast, with waves breaking around it. The image is taken from a boat, part of which and some gear are visible in the foreground. The sky is partly cloudy.

The outer reef snorkelling was a dream. The sheer brilliance of the coral and the dazzling array of fish in the clear blue water was breathtaking. Finally, the magic happened: manta rays, like underwater angels, swept close by. It was an awesome, almost surreal moment.

A group of people sit and stand on the deck of a boat labeled Whale Shark Specialists along the stunning Ningaloo Coast. Some wear hats and sunglasses, and a woman in front gives a thumbs-up, ready for an adventure with whale sharks and manta rays Coral Bay offers.

Our whale shark tour at Ningaloo Reef was mixed and ultimately disappointing. While the boat was modern and a spotter plane was used, no whale sharks were located during our trip. The guiding and organisation felt lacking, and the overall experience didn’t meet expectations.  Complimentary drinks were offered, but they did little to offset the organisational issues.

A group of people wearing snorkels and masks float in a circle on the calm, blue ocean under a clear sky, enjoying the stunning waters of Coral Bay along the Ningaloo Coast.

I entered the water too early at the outer reef and was carried away by the current, missing the main group snorkel altogether. My wife, on the other hand, enjoyed a good snorkelling experience with her group, but was then left behind during the return trip and received little assistance, which was both frustrating and disappointing.
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Shark Bay was the halfway mark on our Exmouth to Perth road trip.

A burst of seawater shoots up from a rocky coastal blowhole against a bright blue sky, echoing the wild beauty seen on an Exmouth to Perth road trip, with ocean waves in the background and rough, dark rocks in the foreground.

On our way to Carnarvon, we stopped at Point Quobba. Which is famous for its blowholes, a natural sea geysers. They create spectacular water spouts, particularly during strong onshore winds.

A person walks on an old wooden railway bridge with white railings, surrounded by water and greenery under a bright blue sky—an idyllic scene reminiscent of the landscapes found on an Exmouth to Perth road trip. The bridge extends into the distance.

After a night in Carnarvon, we took a delightful walk down the iconic One Mile Jetty. Built in 1897 for exporting wool and livestock, it has transformed into a beloved spot for fishing, sightseeing, and tourism.

A coastal landscape with green shrubs in the foreground, turquoise water, and several white boats anchored offshore under a clear blue sky on the Ningaloo Coast.

Our next destination was Shark Bay, a World Heritage Site famous for its natural beauty and rich wildlife. It has one of the world’s largest dugong populations and you can interact with wild dolphins that come close to shore. We explored the stunning landscapes of Francois Peron National Park and the ancient stromatolites at Hamelin Pool.

Clear, shallow ocean water along the Ningaloo Coast with sunlight reflecting on the surface and illuminating dark rocks below, creating shimmering patterns and highlighting the rocky seabed.

While in Hamelin Pool, we walked along the boardwalk. The signs explained how the Shark Bay stromatolites formed and how early life evolved over 3.5 billion years ago.

A tranquil beach with white sandy shore and clear blue water under a partly cloudy sky welcomes you to the famous Ningaloo Coast. Two people walk along the shoreline in the distance, capturing the serenity of this breathtaking spot.

Next, we explored the shell beach. It’s snow-white because it’s made of trillions of tiny Fragum cockleshells. The deposits can reach 10 metres thick in some places.

Close-up view of limestone rock densely packed with small fossilized seashells, highlighting the rough texture and natural patterns found along the Ningaloo Coast.

In Shark Bay, you’ll notice that some buildings are actually made from Fragum cockle shell blocks! If you take the Boolagoorda Walk, you can even see where they were once quarried.

Shark Bay's Project Eden eradicated foxes and cats from the Peron Peninsula while successfully reintroducing two native animals: the bilby and malleefowl.

Shark Bay’s Project Eden successfully removed invasive foxes and cats from the Peron Peninsula, allowing native species like the bilby and mallee fowl to be reintroduced and thrive.
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Kalbarri

A coastal landscape at sunset shows calm waters meeting the sandy shore, with gentle waves and distant cliffs under a pastel-colored sky. A small jetty and barriers are visible in the foreground, reminiscent of scenes along the Ningaloo Coast.

On our Exmouth to Perth road trip, we drove four hours from Shark Bay to Kalbarri, a picturesque coastal town where we stayed for a couple of days. Kalbarri is the perfect base for exploring Kalbarri National Park and tackling its scenic, challenging hikes.

A natural rock arch formation frames a scenic view of a winding river and green landscape under a bright blue sky, reminiscent of the pristine beauty found along the Ningaloo Coast.

The iconic Nature’s Window rock formation in Kalbarri National Park, a natural opening in the layered sandstone cliff face that perfectly frames a stunning view of the Murchison River Gorge winding far below.

Steep, layered sandstone cliffs rise above turquoise ocean waves near rocky outcrops and sparse vegetation—an iconic sight along the Exmouth to Perth road trip under a cloudy sky.

We hiked the Bigurda Trail, an 8-kilometre (one-way) cliff walk, and were treated to breathtaking panoramic views along the coastline, with wildflowers bursting in every imaginable color.

A close-up of a shrub with oval green leaves and a vibrant red, spiky flower surrounded by unopened buds. The woody stems and lush background evoke the unique flora seen along the Ningaloo Coast on an Exmouth to Perth road trip.

The trail was alive with colour, and during our hike, we spotted numerous magnificent Murchison Roses. These glorious, deep-crimson blossoms stood out beautifully against the blue sky and rugged cliffs of the park.
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Cervantes last stop on our Exmouth to Perth road trip

Limestone formations rising from yellow sand at the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park, Western Australia.

This was our second visit to the Pinnacles, and once again we were completely fascinated. Rising from the bright yellow sands, the 30,000-year-old limestone formations create an otherworldly landscape that feels timeless and surreal.

Pinnacle at sunset in the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park, Western Australia.

As we wandered among the spires, changing light and shadows revealed new shapes at every turn. We simply couldn’t stop taking photos—each angle offered a fresh perspective on this extraordinary place.

Stromatolites at Lake Thetis near Cervantes, Western Australia, viewed from the boardwalk.

While in Cervantes, we also visited Lake Thetis, a site renowned for its remarkable stromatolites. These living fossils—estimated to be around 2,000 years old—offer a rare window into what early life on Earth once looked like.

huge white sand Dune in Lancelin near Pert Western Australia

Whether we were hiking, sandboarding, or tackling the dunes in a 4WD, the Lancelin Sand Dunes offered endless adventure, all paired with spectacular views across the coastline.
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Traffic Sign "Stray Animals"

Conclusion – Ningaloo Reef Road Trip (Exmouth to Perth)

Flying to Exmouth and driving back to Perth is the ideal way to experience the Ningaloo Reef road trip along Western Australia’s Coral Coast. This journey combines world-class snorkelling, remote outback landscapes and dramatic coastal scenery.

Snorkel straight from the beach in Coral Bay, explore wildlife-rich Shark Bay, admire the red cliffs of Francois Peron National Park, and discover the ancient stromatolites at Hamelin Pool.

If it’s your first visit, allow more time in Kalbarri to explore the spectacular gorges of Kalbarri National Park. Before reaching Perth, stop at Cervantes to see the striking limestone formations of the Pinnacles Desert. Finish your journey in Perth, enjoying its beaches and the sweeping views from Kings Park and Botanic Garden.

Travel Tips for the Exmouth to Perth Drive

  • Distance: approx. 1,300 km (15 hours driving)
  • Avoid night driving — kangaroos, emus and cattle frequently cross the road
  • Check for road closures or flooding before departure
  • Take regular breaks and carry plenty of water
  • Best time: April–May for whale shark season at Ningaloo Reef

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